Aberystwyth University

BSc Microbiology

Aberystwyth UniversityAberystwyth, United Kingdom

Course overview

This four-year course includes an integrated foundation year, after which the syllabus follows that of the standard three-year course, BSc Microbiology (C500). BSc Microbiology has a strong practical emphasis, and you will learn a wide variety of techniques in areas such as microbial genetics, biochemistry and propagation. The study of microbiology requires expertise in immunology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology and research methods, and you will receive training in these throughout your degree.

You will learn about worldwide concerns such as antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens, as well as the beneficial use of microbes in biotechnology for food production and agriculture. Throughout the course there is a strong focus on practical training in microbiological and molecular techniques, which will prepare you for a career as a professional scientist. There are practical modules in Years One and Two and an advanced research project makes up one third of your final year.

You will be taught by passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields and who conduct research in all areas of microbiology. You will also have access to our state-of-the-art facilities that include a bio-imaging and microscopy suite, modern laboratories and fermentation facilities. In addition to these modern indoor facilities, Aberystwyth University has farms and woodlands for studying environmental microbes and those that impact on animal health.

If you would like to study Microbiology that includes study at postgraduate level, take a look at our sister course with an additional year that allows you to graduate with a Masters qualification ( C509 ). The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.

The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Key highlights

  • Strong practical training in microbiological and molecular laboratory techniques
  • Advanced research project makes up one third of final year
  • Covers antimicrobial resistance, emerging pathogens and microbial biotechnology
  • Bio-imaging and microscopy suite, modern laboratories and fermentation facilities
  • University farms and woodlands for studying environmental and animal-health microbes
  • Taught by research-active staff working across all areas of microbiology

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 104-120 — UCAS Tariff 120 - 104 A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Biology GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics BTEC National Diploma: DDD-DDM in a specified subject International Baccalaureate:…
  • UCAS tariff points: 48 — UCAS Tariff 48 A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC diploma) in subject areas other than biological science, and to mature-aged candidates…
  • A-level: BBB-BCC — to include with B in Biology
  • GCSE: C/4 — to include English
  • BTEC: DDD-DDM — to include in a specified subject; BTEC National Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate: 28-30 — to include with 5 points in Biology at High

Scholarships

  • Aberystwyth Regional Scholarships

    Students will be eligible for a £2,000 reduction in tuition fees for each year of their studies at Aberystwyth University.

    Up to £2,000

  • Caru Aber International Award

    Caru Aber International Award gives a £1,000 tuition fee discount (for every year of study) to any international fee-paying students who spent a period of time studying with us as an associate student.

    Up to £1,000

  • International Accommodation Award

    This award means that for students who choose to live in our on-campus Cwrt Mawr housing, there is no cost for the first year of study.

  • International Family Award

    International Family Award – giving you a £1,000 reduction in tuition fees for every year of your studies.

    Up to £1,000

  • Margaret Evelyn “Lynne” Williams Bursary

    The Bursary is worth £500 during the first year of study and a maximum of two awards will be available each year.

    Up to £500

  • Mathematics Department Award

    Up to £500 a year.

  • Music Scholarships

    £650 a year Music Scholarships are open to UK and international applicants.

    Up to £650

  • Waldo Williams Scholarship

    Successful applicants could receive up to £500 in their first year.

  • Welsh Medium Study Bursary

    Up to £400 a year - for following part or all of your course through the medium of Welsh.

Careers this course leads to

  • Microbiologist
  • Clinical scientist
  • Biotechnology research scientist
  • Laboratory technician
  • Food safety microbiologist
  • Quality control analyst

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £21,875 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Aberystwyth University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide